Justice Says He Cannot Spare Life of Dog Ordered to be Put Down

BECKLEY– Governor Jim Justice has said that he cannot save the life of a dog who bit two young children.

The Humane Society of Raleigh County had started a petition asking Gov. Jim Justice to pardon Jasper, a male whippet mix that bit two young girls in 2015. For more than two years, the shelter has housed the dog while the case has worked its way through the legal system.

Last month, the state Supreme Court upheld a Raleigh County Court decision to euthanize the dog.

Justice released a statement saying The Governor’s office has exhaustively looked into the the legal proceedings related to Jasper the dog in Raleigh County, and the law of West Virginia is clear: it is not possible for Governor Justice to intervene. The Governor recognizes that it is a painful situation for the families, the children, the dog, and the judges involved.No one loves animals more than Governor Justice.”